Weather-related catastrophes wreaked havoc across the globe in 2021, and into 2022. Record heat waves gripped much of the western United States and parts of Canada in Summer 2021. Meanwhile, extreme storms in Germany and India triggered staggering levels of property damage, and the massive displacement of thousands. Climate change, in other words, is here, now and everywhere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that the globe may see a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. Such a development would have profound consequences for people on every continent. The World Bank, for example, has estimated that three regions – Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia – will generate 143 million more climate migrants by 2050. As these individuals flee the worst conditions wrought by climate change, their movements will bring about significant economic, social, and political changes to countries throughout the world.

It is with such stark realities in mind that we must act to address climate change now. The United States has reentered the Paris Climate Accord, while Rotary International has recently made supporting the environment its newest focus area for Rotary efforts worldwide. The 2023 World Seminar, “Climate Change: Youth Take Action,” will provide the means for young people from around the world to learn about this timely topic. More importantly, WAS 2023 will empower youth to address the realities of climate change.  The fate of the planet is not preordained; the future need not be bleak. It is up to the next generation to now share the lead, to embrace – and devise – the ideas and tools necessary to create a more sustainable world. Our Earth, including all other species, depends on it. Climate Change: Youth Take Action can be a first step in this vital journey.

This Guidebook will be your complete resource to navigating the 2023 World Affairs Seminar. Within the links below, you will find arrival information, agendas, speaker biographies, and many other resources essential to having a successful, engaging, and FUN week at WAS.

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a youth education organization committed to providing a forum for open discussion among delegates, speakers and attendees. The comments, views and opinions of presenters  and delegates are those of the speaker and do not represent an endorsement or approval of the World Affairs Seminar. Speakers and delegates are encouraged to discuss all manner of issues openly and honestly. WAS does not censure or take sides, but accepts a wide variety of viewpoints as valid and necessary to a healthy learning environment.  Any attempt to silence or discourage the free expression of ideas supporting any viewpoint by WAS participants is prohibited.